Gynecomastia Treatment Fort Washington, MD
Many men in Fort Washington and across Maryland experience gynecomastia, but few talk about the frustration and self-consciousness it can cause. If you’ve felt hesitant to take your shirt off in the pool, layer your clothing to hide your chest, or avoid social situations, there are ways to manage this condition.
At Hilltop Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Dr. Kehinde Folawewo, an experienced endocrinologist with board certifications in internal medicine and endocrinology, provides comprehensive care. She focuses on identifying and correcting the hormonal imbalances or metabolic factors behind enlarged breast tissue. By addressing the source early, she helps patients achieve a firmer, more masculine chest contour through personalized medical treatment. Her goal is to empower them to feel comfortable and confident again.
What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia occurs when glandular breast tissue in males grows more than it should. The common reason is the shifting of the balance between testosterone and estrogen. This is different from pseudogynecomastia, which is mainly excess fat in the chest.
Gynecomastia often appears during times of hormonal change, such as puberty, mid-life andropause, or older age. Common contributing factors include:
- Natural hormonal fluctuations
- Medications (spironolactone, finasteride, some antidepressants, antipsychotics, anabolic steroids)
- Endocrine or systemic conditions (thyroid disease, liver or kidney issues, testicular disorders)
- Lifestyle factors (obesity, frequent alcohol use, recreational cannabis or certain supplements)
Because several of these causes involve hormones and metabolism, our endocrinologist can evaluate and manage gynecomastia.
Why See an Endocrinologist for Gynecomastia in Fort Washington?
Gynecomastia is, at its core, a hormone-related condition. So, it’s important to treat the imbalance at its source, not just focusing on the appearance of the chest. At Hilltop Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Dr. Folawewo offers:
Comprehensive Hormone Testing
Blood tests are used to check testosterone, estrogen, thyroid levels, and other key markers that may be contributing to breast tissue growth.
Medication and Supplement Review
Some prescriptions, supplements, or over-the-counter products can affect hormone balance. Reviewing these helps identify potential triggers.
Imaging When Needed
If breast tissue feels firm, uneven, or unusually large, an ultrasound may be recommended. Additional imaging can be used in specific cases to rule out uncommon causes.
Treating the Root Cause
Treatment focuses on correcting what’s driving the imbalance. It can include managing thyroid conditions, adjusting medications, or treating low testosterone.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Gynecomastia
Men often prefer to avoid surgery when possible. Dr. Folawewo understands this and may start with a combination of lifestyle strategies and medical therapy. This plan is customized based on the grade of enlargement, how long it has been present, and your lab findings.
Lifestyle & Nutrition Adjustments
Small, consistent changes can lower estrogen production and improve natural testosterone:
- Strength training 3–4 days per week is recommended to build lean muscle and support hormone balance.
- A balanced diet that emphasizes whole foods, lean proteins, and key nutrients such as zinc, vitamin D, and selenium supports overall hormonal health.
- Weight management can reduce the conversion of testosterone into estrogen within fat tissue.
- Limiting alcohol and avoiding recreational marijuana or anabolic steroids may help prevent further breast tissue growth.
These changes can help improve energy levels, mood, and long-term metabolic health in addition to supporting gynecomastia treatment.
Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs)
When breast tissue is tender, growing, or relatively recent (often within the last 1–2 years), SERMs may be considered:
- Tamoxifen: It blocks estrogen’s action at the breast tissue level and may reduce pain and tissue volume over several months
- Raloxifene: It works similarly but may be preferred in some men due to differences in side effect profiles
These medications are prescribed and monitored carefully, with regular check-ins on symptoms and lab markers.
Aromatase Inhibitors
If lab results show elevated estrogen levels, an aromatase inhibitor may be used to limit estrogen production. This approach is sometimes helpful for men with obesity, those recovering from anabolic steroid use, or adolescents experiencing hormone-related gynecomastia, though results may take longer than with SERMs.
Androgen Optimization
For men diagnosed with low testosterone, improving hormone levels may help reverse gynecomastia:
- Correcting testosterone deficiency may reduce breast tissue in some cases.
- Hormone optimization can also improve energy, libido, and mood.
- Treatment may involve closely monitored testosterone therapy or, in select cases, topical DHT gel.
Therapy is always individualized and closely followed to avoid making gynecomastia worse.
Treatment Timeline and Follow-Up
Gynecomastia treatment typically involves ongoing monitoring rather than a single visit. At Hilltop Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, your care is guided over time:
- Baseline (Visit 1): It includes a detailed exam, hormone and metabolic labs, and measurements or an ultrasound to document the starting size.
- Around 6 Weeks: Our endocrinologist monitors symptoms and reassesses breast tissue (often feeling softer, with less tenderness).
- Around 3 Months: It involves repeat measurements or imaging; patients may see a meaningful reduction in tissue size when medications and lifestyle changes are followed.
- Around 6 Months: Therapy may be continued, adjusted, or tapered, and surgical options can be discussed if dense tissue persists.
Throughout this process, Dr. Folawewo focuses on both measurable changes (size, labs) and how you feel about your chest and confidence.
Serving Patients from Fort Washington and Surrounding Areas
Men seeking evaluation and treatment for gynecomastia often travel from Fort Washington neighborhoods, including:
- Tantallon
- Tantallon Hills
- Fort Washington Forest
- National Golf Club area
- Friendly Farms
- Swan Creek / Piscataway Hills
We also serve patients from nearby areas, including Oxon Hill, National Harbor, Temple Hills, and Clinton.
Whether you live along the Potomac River, near Route 210, or closer to the National Harbor corridor, we make endocrine care for gynecomastia accessible.
Gynecomastia Care for Fort Washington Patients
Living with gynecomastia can be frustrating and isolating, but you don’t have to face it alone or jump straight to surgery. Careful evaluation and evidence-based treatment can help men significantly reduce breast tissue and regain confidence.
If you’re in Fort Washington or nearby parts of Prince George’s County and are concerned about enlarged breast tissue, visit Hilltop Internal Medicine and Endocrinology. For more information or to schedule an evaluation, you can contact the office at (301) 567-9570.
Frequently Asked Question
What is the main cause of gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is most commonly caused by an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone, leading to excess glandular breast tissue growth.
Can gynecomastia go away?
Yes, gynecomastia can improve or resolve on its own or with treatment, especially when addressed early and the underlying cause is corrected.
How do you treat gynecomastia in men?
Treatment depends on the cause and may include lifestyle changes, medication to correct hormone imbalance, or surgery if the tissue is long-standing and unresponsive.
Does gynecomastia mean low testosterone?
Not always, as gynecomastia can occur even with normal testosterone levels if estrogen levels are relatively higher or hormone balance is disrupted.